Page 30 - Absolute Final 13 Spring 2025 Newsletter

By Sally Newman

My dogs are always very sociable insisted that they were out of control.
because I introduce them to the world Bolt was behind round a corner, and
of people and other dogs from the Flo simply stopped in front of me
day they are able to mingle after their wondering what the commotion was
inoculations. I take them to the about. I replied that she was under
woods or golf course, depending on control, and he said, ‘Prove it!’ I very
the time of year and simply let them quietly said, ‘Flo, come,’ and she just
off the lead with the adult dogs. They turned and walked back to me. Then
have a great time and rarely have a Bolt came running down to see what
bad experience. One time, years ago, was going on, so I just got hold of
I do remember that little Lulu was him while the man went off on
chased by a spaniel on her first day another path.
out. Big brother Eddie was fine, Lulu
squealed and ran away but not far, Bolt is also very placid and the worst
and this did not deter her from any encounter he had was when I had the
other encounters as she grew up. three girls on leads as we were
nearing the lay-by where the car was
When you have a pack of 4 or 5 dogs parked. Bolt was up ahead as he
as I have had over the years it can normally was when he was younger.
be quite daunting when you meet up I saw two people walking down the
with another pack. One day I had a path with a couple of small terriers.
friend visit who had one of my dogs I called out to say Bolt was fine and
and that meant there were six would not hurt them. The two terriers
Keeshonds. There were not many raced up to him, one biting him on
people or dogs on the hill, so when one side and the other biting him on
we saw two ladies with six Border the neck the other side! He simply
Collies, I wondered what would stood there, did not bark, growl or
happen. Both packs ran towards each even try to pull away as, of course,
other, no barking at all, then when they were not hurting him, they just
about twenty yards apart, they all had mouthfuls of fur! The owners ran
stopped, sized each other up and up and apologized saying that their
returned calmly to their owners. I dogs had never done that before!
wished that I had had a video camera (Tell me another, I thought.) Bolt
but it was in the days before mobile was totally unfazed, but over the
phones. years if we pass by a big dog which
appears to him to be dominant, he
However, we also sometimes meet
simply goes behind a bush or tree and
aggressive owners with aggressive turns his head away.
dogs. What do mine do then? Last
autumn I had just entered the woods I have sociable dogs because I too
with Bolt and Flo off the lead. I came am sociable and love to talk to
up against a very unpleasant man people. I have made some very good
with a Collie straining on the lead and ‘doggie’ friends over the years and
the man demanding I get my dogs on my dogs have made friends with their
the lead. I calmly said no, but he dogs, always being so pleased to see
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